We have 4, thinking that we will take one each at the beginning of the tour, and one at the end for re-entry to USA. However, will we also need to be tested again along the way if another tour member tests positive? I've ordered the 8 additional free tests that the government authorized the other day, but they likely will NOT arrive before we leave for our tour. Should I go out and pay for some more tests to bring? Will they be readily available in Italy? Also, is a self-administered rapid test sufficient for re-entry or does this need to be done in a certified facility? Can this be done at the airport or do we need to have it done before traveling to the airport?
Posted by
Paris
9564 posts
Self tests are readily available in Italy.
A self test does not meet the standard for returning to the U.S.
Posted by
4363 posts
Right, you have to use the proctored tests for your return flight. Or go to a pharmacy.
You can get the proctored tests here: https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests/
I followed a link form my airline to find them.
I plan to take one box per person of the regular non-proctored tests to use in case we feel ill, as I will be in small towns and don't want to have to go looking for one. We can also use this as a "preview" before our official test.
Posted by
California
84 posts
If you are using the proctored test for coming back to the US make sure you have one extra in case on of the tests fail. We had this happen in Paris last fall so it was nice to have the extra test although I could of gone to have it done at a local pharmacy. The self administered test has to be a proctored test like one through E-Med https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks for the info. However, the proctored option will not work for us, as we fly out the day after tomorrow. I wish that one of the RS pre-tour emails would have spelled this option out explicitly a few weeks in advance, so that we could order one. I had no idea that these kind of tests even existed. I guess that I'll need to look for a pharmacy in Rome near our hotel where we can get tested the day before returning.
Posted by
Folsom
2707 posts
You can use the test you have with this site: https://mylabsdirect.com/product/virtual-proctor-service/
Posted by
San Diego, California
4692 posts
Some of the free government-supplied tests , if one pays the monitored fee, only work with laptops, so be sure to check that issue.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6046 posts
If you post your hotel we can probably tell you where to get tested.
There is also this option - it's a Skip the Line appointment at a public testing facility. Possibly a bit out of the way, depending on where you are staying
https://theromanguy.com/tours/italy/rome/rome-covid-test?guests=1
Posted by
1220 posts
You should be fine finding a testing location the day before you need to fly home. Just have your hotel help you.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
We are in Hotel Aberdeen, near the main train station in Rome. I'm sure that they can help with a location for testing, but I'd like to get things settled ahead of time, if possible. There seem to be several pharmacies in the neighborhood, but I'm not sure how to determine whether or not they will meet the documentation standards needed without knowing the language...
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6046 posts
There is a Red Cross test center at Termini
Don’t worry about the documentation, they are all used to dealing with Americans who need the test, results will be in English
They will probably all speak English as well
Have you searched near Hotel Aberdeen for a pharmacy? I am sure you will find one
Email them and ask about testing and appointments, English is fine.
Or email Hotel Aberdeen and ask now, I doubt you will be the first to do so.
And your RS tour guide will certainly have info/ options for you